Latecomers board the Boeing 737, its engines warming up. It is six o’clock in the morning. The plane gets ready for an early departure from Inverness to London.

Dr. Richard Cowdell checks his wristwatch more than once, oblivious to the intense gaze of the woman sitting next to him. A brilliant sunrise paints the sky orange and the runway sparkles. But nature’s colourful display fails to impress him.

The minutes pass, and Richard’s uneasiness is evident.

“Why are you upset?” the woman touches his arm. “The flight will take off soon.”

Irritated, he tells her: “Not quick enough for me. I’m already late in reaching London and it’s an hour and a half journey.” He is not in the mood for polite conversation.

An expression of sympathy crosses her face as she continues reading the magazine.

Forty-five minutes into the flight, a more relaxed Richard looks at the young woman sitting next to him. She's not his type, but she has a strong aura around her.

“I'm sorry for my past behavior,” he apologizes. “I'm under tremendous stress today.”

“No problem. We all have our moments.” She radiates a bright smile.

“Dr. Richard Cowdell,” he introduces himself and hands her his business card.

“Mary Goldsmith,” she returns the favour. “You're a psychiatrist. Wow! Impressive!” she comments after reading his details.

“I could say the same,” he smiles. “A headhunter! That requires specific skills.” But he misjudges her adeptness, a fatal mistake.

Mikhail Vahid Hutchcraft

@MVHutch

Canada

Mikhail Vahid Hutchcraft has not written a story.